A missing tooth does more than change your smile — it changes how you chew, speak, and how your jawbone holds up over time. Smile Center Dentistry plans every case with 3D imaging before a single post goes in.
A poorly placed implant is expensive to fix, so we get the plan right the first time. We'd rather tell you a case needs more healing time than rush a restoration that fails in a year.
Our implant providers carry current Shelby, NC licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. We're glad to discuss the provider's specific implant case history if you ask.
We use 3D cone-beam imaging to map bone density and nerve position before recommending a single-stage or two-stage approach. A digital surgical guide, built from that scan, keeps placement accurate to the plan.
You'll see the cost of the post, abutment, and crown broken out separately, not bundled into a vague estimate. We'd rather you understand every line item than sign off on a lump-sum number.
We stand behind the restoration, not just the surgical placement. Guarantee terms are explained in writing at your consultation, not buried in fine print.
Your treatment plan depends on bone density, tooth location, and how many teeth are missing.
A titanium post replaces the root, topped with a custom crown shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. Healing time is discussed upfront, typically three to six months before the final crown.
A bridge anchored to implants avoids grinding down healthy adjacent teeth the way a traditional bridge would. We explain the trade-offs between this and single implants before you decide.
Full-arch restoration means a fixed, non-removable set of teeth anchored to a handful of implants rather than a full row. This option is discussed in detail with realistic timelines, not a same-day promise that overstates recovery.
Not every jaw is ready for an implant on day one — grafting buys the density needed for a stable, lasting post. We walk through healing time for grafts honestly, since it adds months, not days.
Implants don't get cavities, but the surrounding gum tissue still needs monitoring for peri-implantitis. We build these checks into your recall schedule automatically.
For front-tooth cases where esthetics matter immediately, a temporary crown can sometimes be placed the same day as the post. We'll tell you honestly at your consult whether your case is a candidate.
We ask a few quick questions by phone to flag anything that needs extra attention at your consult.
You'll see your own scan on screen while we explain exactly what it shows.
You leave with a written plan, not a verbal estimate you have to remember.
The implant post is placed, allowed to integrate with the bone, then topped with your custom crown, bridge, or arch.
"Lost a molar years ago and finally did the implant. The CBCT scan they showed me made the whole process make sense."
"Four implants supporting my whole upper arch, and they told me realistic healing times instead of a rushed promise."
"The crown they matched to my implant is honestly indistinguishable from my real teeth."
"No bundled mystery pricing. They broke down every piece of the implant cost before starting."
"Checkups every few months to monitor bone level around my implant. Feels like they're actually watching for problems, not just billing me."
Full-arch cases can take longer depending on grafting needs — we give you a realistic timeline at your consult, not a rushed one. We check on integration progress at scheduled intervals rather than guessing when it's ready.
Low bone density doesn't automatically disqualify you; it usually just adds a grafting step before placement. Grafting adds time but often makes the difference between a stable implant and a failed one.
We break down post, abutment, and crown costs separately so you know exactly what you're paying for. We'd rather walk through the numbers together than have you guess at a website estimate.
Most patients report less discomfort than they expected, managed with local anesthesia and, if needed, sedation options. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
Care is similar to natural teeth, with extra attention to gum health around the implant site. Peri-implant gum health is checked at every recall, not just assumed to be fine.
Some plans cover a portion of implant costs — our front desk will verify your specific benefits before treatment. We'll tell you plainly what's likely out-of-pocket before you schedule anything.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Implants to patients throughout Shelby and neighboring Shelby, NC communities, with CBCT imaging done in-house. New patients researching implants for the first time are welcome to ask questions before committing to a scan.
We'll tell you honestly whether you're a good candidate before you spend a dollar.
Call +1-866-227-2801